Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
加剧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
加剧jiājùto intensifyHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto sharpenHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto accelerateHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto aggravateHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto exacerbateHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto embitterHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #22067, Hard
jiājù(jia1ju4)jia ju T1
  1. 1to intensify
  2. 2to sharpen
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

加剧(加劇)jiājù(jia1ju4)

The term 加剧 (jiā jù) means to intensify or to exacerbate a situation, typically referring to negative circumstances such as conflict, problems, or diseases. It is often used in contexts where a condition worsens or becomes more severe, emphasizing a notable increase in intensity or severity.

Strokes15Frequency#22067DifficultyHard
Cultural note

The concept of 加剧 is often discussed in the context of environmental issues in China, such as pollution exacerbating public health crises. This reflects a societal concern that is increasingly prevalent in both media and public discourse.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'jiā' (加) of fuel being added to a fire, making it 'jù' (剧) grow fiercer. Visualize pouring gasoline onto a small flame, causing it to escalate into a blazing inferno. This imagery links the action of intensifying with the pronunciation and meaning of the word.

Meanings of 加剧

jiājù(jia1ju4)
1to intensify
2to sharpen
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 加剧 means.

About 加剧

加剧Simplified
加劇Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#22067Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 加剧

JasonAmy

Podcast: 加剧

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 加剧

Quick Contrast

恶化 (èhuà) - use 加剧 (jiājù) when emphasizing an intensification of a negative situation, while 恶化 (èhuà) focuses more on the deterioration aspect.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 加剧 in positive contexts; it is strictly negative in connotation. It is often used in formal discussions, particularly in media or academic settings. Be mindful of the tone, as using the wrong tone can alter the meaning, especially in rapid speech.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 term, 加剧 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to social issues, health, and conflict. Students should focus on its usage in complex sentences and learn synonyms or antonyms to expand their understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 加剧 with 加强 (jiā qiáng), mistakenly believing both mean to enhance positively. A wrong example would be saying '这件事情加剧了我们的关系' (This matter intensified our relationship), which implies a negative worsening rather than improvement.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 加剧

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 加剧, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 加剧 to you

Let me explain 加剧 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 加剧 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 加剧?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 加剧 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

加jiāto add
HSK 35 strokes力
View full entry
剧jùdrama
HSK 610 strokes刂
View full entry

How to say to intensify in Chinese

“to intensify” in Chinese is加剧jiājù

The term 加剧 (jiā jù) means to intensify or to exacerbate a situation, typically referring to negative circumstances such as conflict, problems, or diseases. It is often used in contexts where a condition worsens or becomes more severe, emphasizing a notable increase in intensity or severity.

When to use 加剧

Common mistakes include using 加剧 in positive contexts; it is strictly negative in connotation. It is often used in formal discussions, particularly in media or academic settings. Be mindful of the tone, as using the wrong tone can alter the meaning, especially in rapid speech.

加剧 or something close to it

恶化 (èhuà) - use 加剧 (jiājù) when emphasizing an intensification of a negative situation, while 恶化 (èhuà) focuses more on the deterioration aspect.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 加剧 with 加强 (jiā qiáng), mistakenly believing both mean to enhance positively. A wrong example would be saying '这件事情加剧了我们的关系' (This matter intensified our relationship), which implies a negative worsening rather than improvement.

Write 加剧

加
剧

Practice writing 加剧 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar patterns of 加剧

加剧 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

有几个小时,紧张局势有所____。

For several hours, tension mounted.

Example sentences for 加剧 (3)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
有几个小时,紧张局势有所加剧。

yǒu jǐ gè xiǎoshí, jǐnzhāng júshì yǒusuǒ jiājù。

For several hours, tension mounted.
2
这可能会加剧爆发核战争的危险。

zhè kěnéng huì jiājù bàofā hé zhànzhēng de wēixiǎn。

This could intensify the risk of a nuclear exchange.
3
每蹬一下车子,疼痛都在加剧.

měi dēng yíxià chē zi, téngtòng dōu zài jiājù.

It began to sharpen with each stroke.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 加剧?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 加剧

No, 加剧 is strictly used to describe negative intensification.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 加剧?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab